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Carma Coatings was asked to participate in refurbishing and rebuilding of the historic Clock for Gettysburg College. Wagner Construction was contracted by the college for the overall repairs and project management.

Gettysburg College Clock Tower

As part of the refurbishment the college wanted to keep the original cast iron clock face and choose a two tone, white and black color scheme. To accomplish this look, the technicians at Carma had to remove many coats of latex paint by burning them off. Then, sealant was applied for the seams and cracks in the clock frame.

Cast Iron Clock Face

Repairs and sealant areas

This is part of a two-step “burn off and flash” powder process that prepares the surface of the metal. In this case Carma could not weld any of the cracks do to the potential of breaking. Each area is masked-off to do the powder coatings and finish the piece.

Repaired and Powder Coated Frame

Two-tone, White and Black application

The entire project took one month to complete that included a substantial amount of labor to completely refurbish the clock.

The key to powder coating stair steps is the ability to handle a large, abstract part. This capability allows the stair step manufacturer to fabricate fewer sections in the entire assembly. This also saves assembly time when the stair steps are installed in the field.

Application examples:
• Wrought iron: Hershey built a new office area in Hershey, powder coated it Chocolate Brown
• Small decorative balcony for hotel project
Carma Coatings also provides consulting on welding and sealing to help with longevity by preventing rusting through cracks or small openings in the stair system.

Throughout the year, the Central Penn Business Journal hosts a number of events that shine the spotlight on area businesses. The specialized awards events highlight organizations and individuals who are shaping the local business climate and allow them to be recognized for tremendous achievements.

The 11th annual Central Penn Business Journal Business of the Year Awards were presented on November 10, 2014, at the Hilton Harrisburg. To honor the region’s most outstanding companies and executives and features privately-held, for-profit companies for achievements in business & the regional community.

These top companies and individual leaders were recognized during this prestigious event for their outstanding contributions to Central Pennsylvania’s business community. The winners in each category were announced at the event.

During the awards program, finalists were honored and the winners were revealed in each of the following catagories:
• Business of the Year: (1-50 employees)
• Business of the Year: (51-100 employees)
• Business of the Year: (101+ employees)
• Emerging Business of the Year
• Entrepreneur of the Year

One of the Runner-up companies for the Business of the Year: (1-50 employees) Carma Industrial Coatings – Ron Howe, President/Owner

What are some of the other lessons that can be learned from these businesses?
Focus on what the client wants, and provide excellent service. Repeatedly, businesses cite the motivation and satisfaction — and repeat business — earned from discerning and meeting customer needs. Winners and finalists also talk about their focus on the smart use of resources, whether providing clients with better equipment and facilities or working smarter to provide competitively priced products.

Good management practices keep these businesses in the fast lane to success. Imagination is the other important component. Whether it is the inspiration to found a business, the perception to spot a need, the ability to empathize with the client or the flashes of insight needed for success in creative fields, these businesses have leaders and staff members who think outside traditional lines to solve problems.

Photos from the Event:

Some of Carma Coating Executive Team and Family members

Carma Coatings President & Owner, Ron Howe accepting the Business of the Year Runner-Up Award

Carma Coatings is committed to Continuous Improvement and protecting the environment as part of its business practices. Currently the company is pursuing an ISO 14001 certification that will be completed by the end of 2014. Systems and processes are being put into place to be compliant with all environmental regulations required for the certification.

Many of Carma Coatings larger customers are required to comply with ISO 14001 regulations. One of the reasons for implementing the program is to get ahead of the curve and take advantage of early compliance. There are other benefits such as increasing efficiencies and cost savings throughout the organization. As an example, during the process the company has replaced three air compressors with a single compressor that has reduced electrical costs and is much quieter for operator safety.

Carma has been working with an environmental group to look at waste streams, production processes and areas for the largest impacts for improvements. The third party consultants have developed several programs to that will affect several areas:

Materials going to landfill or incinerator

Recycling options or change of materials

Electrical usage

Inefficient equipment

Carma Coatings doesn’t handle enough hazardous material to be required to meet government regulations. However, the company has decided to put together a Hazard Plan that will go beyond what is required by the government.

In October, all employees will be going through a training program for the environmental management system that is being put in place. Part of the certification requirements is to be working on projects for Continuous Improvement and to decrease negative impacts to the environment. The company’s first audit will be conducted in October for preliminary findings and changes. Then on December 19th through the 22nd a complete four day certification audit will take place to achieve the ISO 14001 certification.

Carma Coatings has been providing custom coatings with a high-end finish for motorcycle parts and race car frames from many years. Many large powder coaters don’t want to pursue these types of applications because of the volume of parts is low and they are not setup for custom applications. However, Carma’s facility and skilled operators are able to accommodate any type of motorcycle parts or race car frames and small or individual production runs are part of the overall service program.

Additionally, the focus is on custom powder and painting; not just industrial coatings for these applications. The company maintains a high-end finishing operation, complete with endless custom color choices to produce a “show quality” custom finish. The company maintains a library of books and color samples from an extensive network of vendors. Customers are able to go through the choices with a Carma custom coating expert for guidance and advice on how to achieve the custom look they want for their project. Carma is able to buy colors in small quantities for cost effective, small or individual part, production runs.
Carma is able to process parts to get them ready for the coating process. This may involve:
• Blasting
• Grinding
• Polishing
• Finishing a welded product

Almost any size part or car frame can be accommodated in the expansive facility.

The facility is able to handle many different material types including steel, aluminum, and stainless steel parts. For added protection to steel parts and aluminum, a pre-treatment process is used prior to applying primer to the metal. This gives added protection to steel for the powder to stick and stay adhered.

The parts and frames are processed in a manual operation through paint and powder sections and the operators are able to do candy powders and paints. Additionally, the operators are able to conduct multi-steps in powdering and “multi-powdering” in different colors on the same part, and apply a clear powder coat for a final finish.

Motorcycle Example: Suzuki intruder 1500Factory Original Colors

New Custom Finishes

Dirt Bike Frame and Accessories
The motorcycle was taken completely from the factory state of red, white and chrome; and transformed into an entirely new look with custom colors and finish.
• Blasted and powder coated all the previously chromed area black
• Painted fender and gas tank then Marbleized
• Put ceramic coating on pipes
Carma Coatings has the complete facility, resources and experience staff to provide custom coatings and finishes for:
• Frames:
o Sprint Cars
o Micro Midgets
o Four Wheelers
o Auto Chassis

Carma Industrial Coatings was established to fulfill a real need in protective coating services for Industry. We offer capabilities including industrial painting, powder coating, surface preparation and full assembly.

Our company is housed in a 69,000 sq. ft. facility offering easily accessible loading docks for no-hassle shipping and receiving, and state-of-the-art equipment. We handle one-time customized projects as well as long-term contract production runs, and we can accommodate a wide range of object sizes from small parts to over-sized pieces.

In 2012 we added Powder Coating and Surface Preparation to our capabilities. With a wide variety of colors and textures at our disposal, we have the ability to coat multicolored parts – including large abstract parts. We can also custom powder coat wheels, including two or three color wheels.

Having one of the largest batch ovens in the area gives Carma an edge over its competitors because it offers versatility to its customers. Measuring 40’L x 12’W x 12’H, our batch oven is powered by natural gas. For this reason, Carma can handle almost any job that a customer has to offer.

We can coat almost any material-common materials include Metals, Plastics, Ceramics, Fiber and Rubber. Industrial coating services are most commonly known for corrosion control, but can also provide additional functions such as fire resistance, electrical safety, energy enhancements and weather-resistance.

We offer many surface preparation services, including media blasting, pretreatment, and sanding services. Our large capacity media blasting booth allows for parts 40’L x 16’W x 14’H and gives us the ability to blast parts for any job.

POWDER COATING & INDUSTRIAL PAINTING IN ONE SHOP!
Carma can paint or powder coat to spec or assist with customers to make the best cost-effective decision to meet required coating needs on all metals, plastics, fiberglass, wood, or any other substraight that may require coating for protection and/or aesthetic reasons.